I pull my turtleneck up my neck farther, trying to keep myself from freezing. It's a lot colder than the news said it would be, so I'm only wearing a thick turtleneck and a pair of jeans. I'm not even wearing boots, just a pair of Converse. This was a bad thing to do without a thicker sweater or jacket.
The walk to the café shouldn't be this long but it is and it's killing me. If I don't get there soon, my body will shut down and everyone will find my frozen corpse in the middle of the street.
Thankfully no cars are in the street and I get across the street with a minor slip on a patch of ice. The café is still open, thankfully, and I'm welcomed by a warm rush of coffee and cookie scented air. There are a few new faces in, huddled up to themselves or with their companion, sipping on coffee or hot chocolate. When I see one with Sydney's special peppermint hot chocolate, my mouth waters and I immediately go up to the register.
Erik was supposed to be at work in a few minutes, his usual time of noon after getting groceries which he still refused to let me help pay for. Too bad he doesn't know I slip an extra hundred in his wallet when I'm home alone.
But because I didn't expect him, a huge smile crossed my face when I saw him behind the counter. He returns the smile pulling his sleeves up and wiping what I think is spilled coffee onto his apron.
"Hey, Noa," he beams, pushing his glasses up. "You want Sydney's Special?" he asks, visibly cringing at the name "Sydney Special".
"She's making you call it that, isn't she?" He nods and I laugh, unconsciously covering my mouth as I do so. I see Erik follow my movement and frown a little. "It's not a big deal, E. Lots of people don't like their smiles." Erik sighs and shakes his head.
"Yeah, but there's nothing wrong with yours. It's perfect," he says, still looking down. I see his cheeks get a little red then my cheeks get red when I remember last night.
"Whatever," I mumble, trying to drop the conversation. "So, Sydney Special?" I bring up and he sighs loudly.
"Yeah. Syd almost kicked my ass when I made a face at the name. So, if I want to stop my ass from being kicked, I say 'The Sydney Special'." He groans and I laugh again. "So, would you like the Sydney Special?" Erik asks, forcing the words out like it literally pains him to do so.
"Sure. I would love a peppermint hot chocolate while enjoying the fact I won't get my ass kicked if I call it a peppermint hot chocolate." Erik mocks me and I laugh again, enjoying my stance of freedom.
"You know where to wait."
"Erik. . ." I draw out.
"Noa. . ." he mocks.
"Erik, seriously. Let me pay." He shakes his head and I almost scream. "You do this every time! Just let me pay!" I half-whine, not wanting to make a scene but wanting to get him to let me freaking pay!
"And you know how it'll end. Sydney will come out, she'll take your money, then make up an excuse to give it back and, because you're a nice person, you'll take it back and stay quiet." I roll my eyes and sigh, shoving my hands into my pockets and shuffling over to a table.
This happens every time and it annoys me to no end. I have a job, I make good money, and yet he still won't let me pay for anything. It frustrates me so much because he's really sweet about it so I can't even be mad. I also can't stop thinking about last night. My cheeks warm and tingle at the memory of his lips on my cheek.
But I still smile. He's probably the greatest guy I've ever met. Since I've known him, he has gone a few dates but no one every stayed. I've even met some of them and they were perfectly nice. They were kind and didn't look at me weirdly when they found out we lived together. Erik has a nice taste in women.
A steaming cup of peppermint hot chocolate is placed on the table in front of me. I look up to see a brightly smiling Erik.
"Thank you very much," I say in a bad British accent.
"You're welcome, madame," he replies, playing along with his own bad accent.
"Look at them," an older woman whispers to a man of the same age next to her. "Aren't they just adorable?" she adds, taking the man's hand in her own. I look back up at Erik who turns from lookin at them as well. He's blushing lightly and I'm sure I am, too. We just look at each other in silence before he gives me a small smile and walks away.
YOU ARE READING
In The Eyes Of a Saint
Teen FictionI stare at the cars. I stare at the people. I look up and I stare at the sky. I stare at the clouds. A few birds fly by. I stare at those, too. Then, I look at the buildings. Some are completely lit up. Others are only partially. I stare at the cars...
